American Paula Creamer, the No. 10 women's golfer in the world, is one of three players confirmed for June's Manulife Financial LPGA Classic in Waterloo.

Kane, Creamer, Wie confirmed for Manulife Classic

By Chronicle Staff

The biggest name in Canadian women’s golf will be joined by some of the biggest names in the world at this spring’s Manulife Financial LPGA Classic.

Lorie Kane, a native of Charlottetown, PEI, and a member of the Order of Canada, is one of the first big names confirmed to compete in the inaugural LPGA event June 20-24 at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo.

The 1996 LPGA rookie of the year will be joined by Paula Creamer, the No. 10 player in the world, and Michelle Wie, who at 13 years, five months and 17 days set the record for youngest player to make the cut at an LPGA event in 2002.

“It has always been Manulife’s intention to shine a global spotlight on Waterloo Region and we are thrilled that three of the world’s top female golfers have already signed on to compete in our tournament,” Brian Gooding, senior vice-president of distribution at Manulife Financial, said in a media release.

Between them, Kane, Creamer and Wie own 15 LPGA tournament wins.

Creamer’s nine career victories include one major, the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open. She is also the fastest player in LPGA history to reach $3-, $4- and $5-million in career earnings.

Meanwhile, Wie has two career wins and two nominations to the American Solheim Cup team and reached third in the world rankings in 2006.

Kane is one of the most successful female professional golfers in Canada. With four career LPGA titles, she ranks 18th all-time in career earnings.

The rest of the field is not yet set, but tournament director Richard Kuypers said the commitment of Kane, Creamer and Wie is a great start.

“But what I can tell you is that we’re expecting the vast majority of the best players in the world to be in Waterloo in June,” he said.

To order tickets, visit www.manulifeclassic.ca or call the tournament office at 519-884-5742.

Tickets for the tournament start at $30 and can be used for any day of the tournament. Children under the age of 16 will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. Group ticket packages are also available.